Tap social media to connect better with mainlanders
Susan Chan says reaching out via weibo, to explain our policies, can improve relations
The past few years have seen increasing conflicts between people in Hong Kong and those from the mainland. The rule to limit sales of baby formula, for example, not only drew criticism from the mainland media and public but has also caused controversy at home.
There are many reasons why relations are strained. Hong Kong alone will not be able to solve the problem. But as a special administrative region of China, and as a city that has prided itself on being an international metropolis and a bridge between the mainland and the rest of the world, we would not be living up to our name if we cannot manage the relationship with our neighbours well.
There are a number of official channels in place on cross- border co-operation. These, however, are aimed more at fostering communication at various government levels. We need to reach out to the people on the mainland as well.
It is not easy for mainland residents to get a full picture of what is happening in Hong Kong. Our newspapers are not sold there and their access to the internet is restricted. Our TV broadcasts reach only as far as our neighbouring provinces. Many mainlanders therefore see Hong Kong as it is portrayed by mainland media.
In the case of the baby formula row, a rule that aims to protect the interests of Hong Kong children and to clamp down on law-breakers is being seen as unfeeling and targeting ordinary mainland parents.
We need to get the message across to people on the mainland. But how do we do that?